Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — As observatories across Saudi Arabia prepare to sight the Shawwal crescent moon, experts say conditions may allow for the moon to be seen on Saturday evening, marking the potential end of Ramadan.

Renowned moon-sighter Abdullah Al-Khudairi from the Sudair observatory said the moon’s position today is more favorable than it was at the start of Ramadan.

“The crescent is expected to remain in the sky for around eight minutes after sunset,” he explained, while stressing that lunar eclipses or solar eclipses have no bearing on moon visibility.

From the Tamir observatory, observer Mutib Al-Burghash said the sighting is not impossible. “If the skies remain clear, it is possible to see the crescent,” he said.

However, the National Center of Meteorology noted that cloud formations may affect sky conditions over Sudair and Tamir.

The Supreme Court has urged all Muslims across the Kingdom to try to sight the moon on Saturday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 29.